Service Literacy Test to Start on 3 May 2010
The Service Literacy Test (SLT) for Work Permit Holders (WPHs) in the Hotel, Retail and F&B industries will begin on 3 May 2010. It starts two months ahead of the 1 July criterion requiring all non-Malaysian WPHs in these three industries to pass the SLT in order to qualify for skilled levy status, in addition to all other existing requirements1.
2. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) aims to enhance service standards, improve productivity and raise the quality of the foreign workforce in the Services sector. WPHs who pass the SLT are expected to be able to listen and understand job-related communications in routine workplace tasks in English and to respond appropriately in English. The Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) has been appointed by MOM to develop and administer the SLT.
Eligibility to Register for SLT and Validity Period
3. To manage the intake of WPHs taking the test, employers with these groups of WPHs will be eligible to register for the SLT:
i) Existing skilled WPHs whose work permits are expiring within two months;
ii) New WPHs who have been issued work permits after meeting all the other requirements for skilled levy status
4. Employers with WPHs who meet the above criteria will be notified by MOM through renewal notices or In-Principle Approval letters, and may proceed to register their WPHs for the SLT at the English Test Centre’s website. To provide certainty for employers, a lifetime validity of the SLT results will be accorded to WPHs who pass the test.
English Language Training Courses
5. Employers are encouraged to hire WPHs who are proficient in English or to train their WPHs to equip them with English language skills. A number of training providers are already offering or indicated their interest to offer courses designed to improve the speaking, listening and reading skills of foreign workers. MOM and WDA have no plans to accredit any training providers.
An Incentive for Employers
6. With the new criterion, employers would enjoy a lower levy rate for skilled workers as compared to unskilled workers. Employers who hire WPHs, who meet all the skilled levy requirements and pass SLT, would pay only $160 a month versus a levy of $260 under the unskilled worker category, come July 2010. The monthly cost savings is an added incentive for employers on top of the improved productivity and customer service standards that employers will benefit from.
Preventing Transfer of Costs to Work Permit Holders
7. Under the Work Permit conditions, employers are prohibited from recovering employment-related costs from their workers. MOM will continue to monitor and enforce against employers who attempt to recover employment-related costs from their foreign workers through salary deductions. Those who do so will be prosecuted and/or barred from hiring foreign workers. Any employer who contravenes the Work Permit and S Pass conditions faces a fine not exceeding $5,000 or jail of up to six months or both, upon conviction.
8. For more information on the operational details of the SLT, please refer to the enclosed Factsheet.
1 A skilled work permit holder is one who possesses the relevant academic or skills-based test qualifications and certificates. More information can be found on the MOM Work Permit Application Page.
Factsheet on Service Literacy Test